U.S. energy production withdraws and consumes more fresh water than any industrial sector besides agriculture. With the exception of wind power and solar photovoltaics, all of the clean energy resources available to the United States use more water than producing energy from conventional fossil fuel and nuclear energy. Moreover, “unconventional” reserves of oil-bearing tar sands, oil shales and deep gas-bearing shales use more water than the conventional oil and gas reserves they are replacing.

Click through the interactive infographic below to learn more facts about the confrontation occurring at the place where rising energy demand meets declining freshwater supplies.

[…] A look at 16 states with statutes that acknowledge the tightening chokepoint between declining water resources and rising energy demand. Infographic: 10 Th ings You Should Know about Water + Energy […]

How much energy does the USA require to run its water treatment systems? I’ve read in the neighbourhood of 25% to 35% of all powered used in the USA, does this sound right? I know to treat water you need electricity and to make electriciity you need water, they run hand in hand.